Plane Crash Victim Was Returning Home from Work Trip When She Died on 33rd Birthday: 'Deeply Loved'

Mar. 15, 2025

Elizabeth Keys.

A Washington, D.C., attorney, who was one of 64 people aboard American Airlines Flight 5342when it collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter, died on her 33rd birthday.

The Tufts University and Georgetown University Law Center graduate is remembered for her legal prowess and lovable, vibrant personality.

“She was just the best partner and so special, had such a sharp wit and just really pushed everyone around her to be the best versions of themselves,” her boyfriend of six years, David Seidman, toldTheEnquirer.

He recalled meeting her in law school, where she had a natural magnetism.

“She was so witty and sharp and I wanted to be part of her study group — everybody did,” Seidman said.

Those who worked with her are also remembering the Cincinnati native.

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Prior to practicing at the D.C. firm, Keys was a law clerk for Judge Amy Berman Jackson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. In law school, she served as managing editor of theGeorgetown Food and Drug Law Journaland interned for Judge Paul L. Friedman of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Judge Michael R. Barrett of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, and the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division,according to her bio on the law firm’s website.

Keys, a 2014 graduate of Tufts where she was on the school’s varsity sailing team, was the valedictorian of the 2010 class at Madeira High School in Cincinnati.

More than all of her accomplishments, Keys — known for her love of ski trips with friends and visits to Hawaii — will be missed in a multitude of ways, her family said.

“She loved deeply and was deeply loved,” according to a statement to WCPO. “Liz was a warm, generous woman. She was so fun — and funny! Liz had a sharp wit and appreciated it in others. Gatherings were always better when Liz was there; she was filled with light and joy. Liz was a dear friend to so many, offering her best self to them all. Her hugs were wonderful!”

The statement added, “Words cannot express how deeply Elizabeth, my Bitsy, will be missed. We are filled with unbearable sorrow and despair at our loss.”

Keys leaves behind her parents, Martin and Mary Keys, in addition to “the love of her life” Seidman  and their Yorkie, Tucker.

source: people.com